Home / The Long History of the Manchester Derby and who is the Best

The Long History of the Manchester Derby and who is the Best


The Manchester Derby is one of the most iconic rivalries in football history, steeped in over a century of local pride, drama, and shifting power. Here’s a deep dive into the long history of the derby and a nuanced take on who is the best:

Origins of the Manchester Derby

  • First Encounter: November 12, 1881 – West Gorton (later Manchester City) vs Newton Heath (later Manchester United). Newton Heath won 3-0.

  • These were early forms of the clubs before they took their current names.

  • The first Football League derby was in 1894, with Manchester United beating City 5–2.

Pre-War Era (1900s–1945)

  • Early decades saw both clubs fluctuate between divisions.

  • In 1926, City reached the FA Cup Final; in 1934 they won it.

  • United, meanwhile, suffered financially and competitively, nearly going bankrupt in the 1930s.

Post-War Period (1945–1969)

  • Both clubs began growing after WWII.

  • City won the FA Cup in 1956.

  • United, under Matt Busby, built the famous Busby Babes, tragically struck by the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.

  • United bounced back to win the European Cup in 1968, the first English club to do so.

1970s–1990s: Mixed Fortunes

  • City won the league in 1968 and several domestic cups in the 70s.

  • United struggled post-Busby but returned to prominence under Alex Ferguson in the late 80s.

  • City suffered decline, even dropping to the third tier in 1998, while United became dominant in the Premier League era.

21st Century: Rise of the Powerhouses

Manchester United

  • Sir Alex Ferguson era (1986–2013): 13 Premier League titles, 2 Champions Leagues, FA Cups, League Cups.

  • Famous quote from Fergie about City: "Not in my lifetime", regarding them surpassing United.

Manchester City

  • Everything changed in 2008 with the Abu Dhabi takeover.

  • Massive investment brought players like Tevez, Yaya Touré, Agüero, Silva.

  • Aguero’s 93:20 moment (2012): Snatched the title from United on the final day.

Recent Years (2010–2025)

  • Pep Guardiola’s arrival in 2016 elevated City to new heights:

    • Multiple Premier League titles.

    • Domestic trebles.

    • UEFA Champions League win in 2023.

    • Treble in 2022–23, matching United's 1999 feat.

  • Derby Highlights:

    • City’s 6-1 win at Old Trafford (2011).

    • United’s comeback win at the Etihad to delay City’s title win (2018).

    • FA Cup Final 2023 – City beat United 2-1.

Head-to-Head Stats (as of April 2025)

United City
Wins (All Competitions) ~78 ~61
Draws ~53
Most Wins in a Row 4 (both teams at different times) 4

United still hold the overall edge in derby wins, but the gap has narrowed significantly in recent years.

So, Who’s the Best?

Manchester United

  • Legacy: Larger historical footprint, more trophies overall.

  • Global Reach: One of the most famous clubs on earth.

  • Legends: Best, Cantona, Giggs, Ronaldo, Rooney, Scholes.

Manchester City

  • Recent Dominance: Unmatched form and consistency under Guardiola.

  • Style: Tactical revolution, record-breaking seasons.

  • Trophies: 6 PL titles since 2012, 1 UCL, multiple domestic cups.

Final Verdict:

  • All-Time Best: Manchester United, for history, legacy, global impact.

  • Currently Best: Manchester City, for performance, dominance, and modern success.

Want a timeline graphic, best derby XI of all time, or era-by-era comparison?